‘Big Solo’ initiative celebrates 90 years of Dromore GAA

THE parish of Dromore came to life last weekend with over 500 members taking part in St Dympna’s GFC’s ‘Big Solo’ initiative.

The entire community came together to cover every inch of Dromore parish on a route consisting of 90 miles coinciding with the 90th anniversary of the GAA club.

This event celebrates the rich history of GAA in the parish, and serves as a crucial fundraising event for the Gardrum club.

Faces past and present were dotted along the run, commenced by club stalwart, Sean ‘Red’ O’Neill and county star, Niall Sludden.

The final segment of the run symbolised ‘Handing on the Baton’, as hundreds of youth footballers completed the final journey around the village to Gardrum Park – led by Dromore’s championship winning captains Fabian O’Neill, Colm McCullagh, Eoin McCusker and Conor O’Hara, and GAA president-elect, Jarlath Burns.

Following the completion of the run, a celebration BBQ was held in The Central Bar, with dancing to the impressive Dromore-based Folk Rock group, ‘The Porter Bellys’, featuring club members, Mark McAloon and James McCaffrey.

Speaking following the event, club chairperson, Gerry Hannigan, spoke of his pride of parish commenting, “The past few weeks, our club has been inundated with support but locally and further afield.

“We had wanted to mark the legacy of those who served over the last 90 years, and create a vision for the next 90. The club wish to express our sincere thanks to all who played their part through event sponsorship, participation, and helping in any way to make the event a success.”